1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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When the energetic Sun clashes with unpredictable Uranus, plans are likely to wobble, pushing us to adapt expectations and stretch comfort zones.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Good side gigs for these energetic individuals?—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The footage shows members of the divided House Targaryen going into battle, with plenty of fiery dragon action.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
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Where was my fiery disdain when ICE invaded (and is still invading) Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles last year?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Once released, the two men made animated films for the British war effort (so much for being enemies, or aliens), and then, in 1944, Hoellering took charge of the Academy, a cinema on London’s Oxford Street.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
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During the trial, many of Cardi's impassioned exchanges with the Janfaza went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The creative duo embark on a weekend excursion to sample the city’s spirited mix of regional history, world-class innovation, and natural splendor—discovering how much is in reach of this buzzy but unhurried Gulf nexus.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
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Dickinson was known to share strong opinions that veered negative and even mean-spirited on the judging panel.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Foot traffic at restaurants, shops and mosques sharply declined, turning once-lively economic and social hubs into ghost towns, and threatening to cripple the livelihood of an entire community.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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The lively City Hall gala was Boston’s third official celebration since the city formally recognized the day as a holiday in 2023, and attendees marked the occasion with a range of artistic showcases and performances.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While Robbie’s Cathy is spunky, stubborn, and independent, Elordi’s Heathcliff is brooding, desperate, and clingy.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
Refinery29,
12 Feb. 2026
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The movie, released in May 1999, saw Fraser as treasure hunter who travels to Egypt in the 1920s with a spunky librarian, played by Weisz, only to accidentally awaken a supernaturally powerful high priest.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The same traits—sloppy reasoning but a desire for collective punishment—animate other immigration-policy announcements.—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
18 Jan. 2026
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Those same questions animate America’s healthcare system, where nurses, disproportionately women and people of color, shoulder the emotional and physical burden of institutions under stress.—
Richard Fowler,
Forbes.com,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Rosa Martínez, Margarito’s sister, remembered him as someone who was always passionate about his work and an inspiration.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
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Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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